How to Cook Bacon: Best Methods Compared for Perfect Results

Very few breakfast foods inspire more love and obsession than crispy, delicious bacon. People truly love bacon, and because of this, there are a ton of opinions on how to prepare it and when to use each method. Whether you are crumbling it over a crisp salad, serving it with eggs and hashbrowns or loading it onto a BLT, perfectly cooked bacon can take almost any meal to the next level. But despite its longstanding popularity, there is always debate around the best way to cook the perfect slab of bacon. Should you bake it in the oven? Should you use an air fryer? Should you go old school and fry it in a skillet? Or would it be better to simply use the microwave? 

The truth is that each method of cooking bacon produces different results, and each has its pros and cons. Some create a chewier texture, while others create crispier results. And other methods are just great for convenience and less cleanup. If you have ever wondered which technique is right for you, here is a breakdown of the most popular methods for cooking bacon and all the pros and cons to help you decide how you will get your next best piece of juicy goodness.

1. Oven-Baked Bacon

Baking bacon is consistently a favorite for many home cooks because it yields consistent results, it is simple and very hands-off. For this method, arrange the slices in a single layer on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake at 400 degrees until you observe your desired level of crispiness. This usually happens between 15 and 20 minutes depending on thickness.

Pros for this method: cooks evenly; great for bigger batches; easy clean up; minimal grease spatter

Best for: Meal prep, big family breakfasts, and anyone who prefers a crisper result without having to monitor and stand over the stove.